MY PROFILE

QUICK LINKS

No Money, No Cry: Experiences In Bangalore That Cost Nothing

While it looks like the after effects of demonetisation are not about to disappear anytime, a cashless situation shouldn’t keep you from exploring what our lovely city has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to go back to rediscovering your city, without having to pull out your debit card. Here are some of LBB’s favourite freebies in town. Yes, you heard us, we actually said the four-letter word: free.

Art Events At The National Gallery Of Modern Art

Housed at the Manikyavelu Mansion, the NGMA promotes the arts with a slew of complimentary activities. Walks organised every Wednesday and Saturday introduce you to the arts, film screenings during the weekends bring alive the work of the masters, and talks by leading curators paint a picture on varied aspects.

Book Readings And Book Launches At Atta Galatta

Focusing on regional literature, Atta Galatta is a cosy nook for book lovers in the city. Here, surrounded by books, you can participate in select events that don’t come with a fee attached. And, this includes readings of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series to Allen Ginsberg’s poems, and book launches, followed by workshops and special events.

Cultural Experiences At Rangoli Art Center

The arrival of the Metro line has transformed the old boulevard walk on MG Road. It is now a thriving activity center that encourages Bangaloreans to come by for classical dance recitals, jam sessions, hoop circles and plays. You can even get your hands dirty at pottery classes and voice your opinions on citizen initiatives. With three gallery spaces in the centre, there’s also plenty of art to gawk at while you’re there.

Drink For Free At Ladies’ Nights Around The City

Women can drink and lose the bar tab at nightlife spots around the city. On Wednesdays, you can pop by Cirrus for drinks on the house. It’s i-Bar’s turn on Thursdays, and Friday nights can be spent grooving at ICE. Want more places to head to? Check out our complete list of ladies’ nights around town here.

Movie Screenings At Alliance Française de Bangalore

If you love world cinema, you’ll reel at what Alliance Francaise de Bangalore has in store for you. On second Wednesdays each month, movie buffs from the AF Cinéma Club meet up for a 7pm screening of the latest French movies. There’s more: fourth Thursdays are dedicated to French documentaries.

Sketch Sundays At Pencil Jam

Every Sunday, doodlers unite at interesting landmarks for a day of sketching. All you need to do to participate is RSVP for the event and show up with your sketchpad in hand. Through the session, you can catch up with fellow artists, hone your craft, and rediscover Bangalore through brushstrokes.

Free Coffee Tasting At Starbucks

Walk into any Starbucks outlet and ask for a free coffee tasting session which introduces patrons to some of their in-house blends of coffees sourced from all over the world. The countries range from South America to Italy and Africa to India. The good folks at Starbucks not only give you free coffee and cake, but also help you understand and relish the flavours, aroma and taste associated with these blends.

Free Samples At Kiehl's

When it comes to beauty and skincare products, who doesn’t like a free sample or two? American apothecary and beauty company Kiehl’s provides free skin consultations, after which you can walk out with free samples of products that suit your skin type. Don’t be shy: just ask for samples and you shall receive. Our favourite: the ultra-pricey but so good Midnight Recovery Concentrate, a few drops of which every night will leave you with supple skin.

Get Your Dose Of Puppy Love At A Dog Shelter

Love dogs but can’t keep them because of your busy work schedule? Or, perhaps, the idea of being around a pup (or two) just turns your day around? Well, then there are dog shelters like Second Chance (CUPA’s adoption centre) and Charlie’s Animal Rescue Centre (CARE), for you to hit up. Open to pet lovers {particularly over weekends}, this is where you can freely spend time petting the dogs or even volunteering for the day.

Workout At Ulsoor Lake

Yup, no need to pay for a fancy gym membership. Just hit up Ulsoor lake, run along it, and then at the far end of it, towards the Gurudwara, there’s a lovely open-air gym which you can work on cardio and core. From leg presses and exercise bars for your pull-ups to twisters and air walkers, you can peacefully workout for free!